Caroling, cocoa, wintry fun, and a sweet romance make this perfect for the WISH line! It will pub in November just in time for the holidays, alongside REVENGE OF THE ANGELS.
Charlie's moment to shine has arrived: She's determined to land a solo in this year's holiday concert. With her best friend, Renee, and smart, cute Eric in chorus with her, this winter promises to be pitch-perfect.Until disaster strikes. The concert is suddenly in danger of being canceled. And Charlie has to partner up with annoying, oh-so-perfect Matthew. If they can't work in harmony, Charlie's favorite time of year will be ruined. Will she be able to save the show from a blizzard of problems -- and figure out who makes her heart sing? Natalie Blitt is the author of Carols and Crushes and the young adult novel The Distance from A to Z. Originally from Canada, she now lives in the Chicago area with her husband and three sons, where she works at an education think tank. You can visit her online at natalieblitt.com. The three of us head into the chorus room. I don't look at Renee, but I'm positive she's grinning at me. I cough to disguise the nervous laughter that's bubbling up. Mr. McHenry is in the room waiting for us. I feel more nervous than ever. "Thank you all for your patience," Mr. McHenry starts when we're all seated. "I've spoken with Mrs. Hamilton and she was happy to hear your plan, Charlie. The concert is back on!"OMG.There's mass pandemonium. Or at least as mass as you can get with sixteen kids. They cheer and clap. There are some thumps on my back, but I don't turn around. Instead, I stare dumbfounded at Mr. McHenry.I saved the holiday concert. I saved the holiday concert."But she made a few changes," Mr. McHenry says, his voice rising over the din. "The concert will proceed without any solos. You can practice the selected songs on your own, and Mrs. Hamilton will come in to officially rehearse with you all the week before the concert."The color drains from my face. No solos? Then it's just another group concert. And yes, I love singing as a group, but . . . but my dream . . .My dream to finally stand out from the crowd. To have the audience -– my parents -– really see me, in the spotlight.
